Lady of Fortune, Jiao Niang

Chapter 177

Second Young Master Qi looked at that book and ultimately decided not to explain.

Since he wouldn't suffer any loss, Qi Yun pulled Ye Jiao along to properly experience just how nostalgic he truly was.

After their passion subsided, Ye Jiao lay on the man's body, murmuring quietly: "Husband, you did that on purpose."

Qi Yun's eyes looked at her, asking slowly: "What on purpose?"

Little Ginseng used her arm to prop up her chin, her bright eyes staring at Qi Yun, her mouth corners slightly pursed: "You clearly weren't following what was in the book just now."

"How does Jiao Niang know?"

"I've seen every page, remember them clearly."

At these words, Qi Yun felt as if he had been choked.

Regarding his Jiao Niang's learning ability, Qi Yun knew very well. Ye Jiao was clever and could learn anything she wanted to, but she wasn't a genius with perfect memory. Normally, to memorize a book, she would need to read it repeatedly.

Obviously, that book's edges were worn smooth, probably all from Ye Jiao's excessive... diligent studying.

Qi Yun couldn't refute this, so he only said: "I'm also following the words of ancient sages."

Ye Jiao was somewhat puzzled, leaning closer to Qi Yun: "What ancient sages?"

Second Young Master Qi spoke calmly and steadily, as if he had quite reasonable justification: "Confucius said, 'By reviewing the old, one can understand the new.'"

This was from the Analects. Though Ye Jiao hadn't memorized it, when Xu Bao had pestered Qi Yun to read to him, Qi Yun had explained this phrase's meaning, and Ye Jiao had listened and remembered it.

The principle itself was correct, but now this person was using the sage's words for this purpose, clearly just amusing himself.

Ye Jiao glared at him and bit the man's collarbone.

Qi Yun didn't feel pain. His wife called it biting, but actually she was just pretending to scare him. However, after hesitating, Second Young Master Qi dramatically sucked in a breath of cold air.

His intention was to tease his Jiao Niang, but he hadn't expected to actually startle Ye Jiao.

Little Ginseng was first stunned, then quickly released her bite, gently kissing the place she had bitten twice, then looking up at him expectantly: "Does it hurt?"

Now Qi Yun's attention was no longer on whether it hurt, but on preparing to conceal another place that might hurt.

Normally, this would be the perfect time for intimate warmth. After all, tomorrow morning his wife would definitely stew a pot of kidney-nourishing soup for him to drink, so he might as well indulge properly now.

But today Ye Jiao had been at Dong Shi's orchard all day and hadn't eaten properly. Qi Yun felt sorry for her and didn't want someone who had worked hard during the day to be troubled at night. He turned sideways, moved Ye Jiao from on top of him to the bed, then pulled her into his arms, saying softly: "It doesn't hurt. How could Jiao Niang bear to hurt me?"

Ye Jiao pillowed her head on his arm, humming softly, but her face showed a smile.

This made Qi Yun's heart feel warm. Sometimes he thought his wife was always so easy to please, laughing when told to laugh, never holding grudges. It was precisely this nature that made Qi Yun reluctant to hide anything from her.

Thinking of this, Qi Yun remembered the box he had placed on the bookshelf and unconsciously wanted to look again.

At this moment, he heard Ye Jiao's voice: "I went to see Scholar Feng today. He told me about the two children's studies."

Qi Yun focused all his attention on Ye Jiao, wrapping them both tighter in the blanket before saying: "What did he say?"

Ye Jiao thought for a moment, then said: "Scholar Feng said Xu Bao studies well, Liu Si also studies well, and after Little Shi Tou went to school, he also does homework with Xu Bao every day." At this point, Ye Jiao's voice paused: "I was asking halfway through just now and didn't finish. Husband, you always question Little Shi Tou. Aren't you afraid of scaring him?"

Qi Yun curved his mouth corners: "Does wife also think I'm frightening?"

Little Ginseng reached out to hold him, leaning closer and gently tracing Qi Yun's features with her hand, saying softly: "I think husband is naturally not frightening. So handsome, good in every way."

Ordinary men, when praised for their looks, would mostly be surprised or helpless, but Qi Yun smiled: "Being able to gain wife's favor makes this face worthwhile."

But Ye Jiao didn't let him change the subject, continuing: "But Little Shi Tou has been afraid of you since childhood."

Qi Yun slightly restrained his smile, replying gently: "Little Shi Tou is afraid of me, but that's fine. I can't avoid questioning him just because he's afraid. Little Shi Tou was entrusted to us by elder brother. I promised elder brother to watch over Little Shi Tou's studies carefully, so naturally I must pay close attention. Liu Si is one of our own. His parents work on the estate, and Liu Si has always followed Third Young Master. Having good prospects in the future would also benefit Third Young Master. As for Xu Bao..."

Ye Jiao looked up at him: "What about Xu Bao?"

Qi Yun held Ye Jiao tighter, saying softly: "Xu Bao is still young, and I've now accumulated some wealth, enough to provide for my children. I don't demand the children to be especially accomplished, just that they each have their own futures. Xu Bao should now do what he enjoys. I don't need to pressure him about anything."

This sounded very good. Each child having their own future was indeed good.

But Ye Jiao stared at Qi Yun for quite a while. Only when Qi Yun averted his gaze did Ye Jiao say: "Are you afraid that if you ask Xu Bao about his studies, he'll cling to you and won't let you leave?"

One sentence hit Qi Yun's thoughts exactly.

Their eldest son didn't need anyone to make him study. On the contrary, Xu Bao genuinely loved books, holding them and refusing to let go. Even Ye Jiao had to coax him to go out and play, not to stay buried in books all day.

Qi Yun questioned Little Shi Tou and Liu Si because these two were somewhat afraid of Qi Yun, so questioning them could actually provide encouragement.

Xu Bao was different. Whenever Qi Yun mentioned anything related to learning, this little chubby one would cling tightly to Qi Yun's leg, pestering him to finish reading books before he could leave.

Qi Yun had no temper for this at all. It was his own son, what could he do?

Now being called out by Ye Jiao, Qi Yun coughed lightly, wanting to say something, but looking down, he saw Ye Jiao had already closed her eyes, breathing gently and steadily, obviously fast asleep.

The man was first stunned, then smiled, lowering his head to kiss her forehead before closing his eyes and joining her in sweet dreams.

Xu Bao didn't know his parents were discussing his studies. For him, studying with Scholar Feng wasn't any hardship, but brought full enjoyment.

He had perfect memory, inherited from Qi Yun, but father and son had very different temperaments.

Qi Yun had congenital deficiency from birth, learning to take medicine before learning to eat. As a tiny baby, he had to drink bitter medicinal soup to survive, making his complexion pale and sickly. Everyone who saw him was afraid. Even grown up, he remained ghostly pale, making people avoid him. It wasn't strange that Qi Yun's nature was gloomy.

Such a broken body meant Qi Yun could only stay indoors reading and keeping accounts. Good memory for him meant remembering clearly all the suffering he had endured since childhood. Though not necessarily beneficial, such hardship made him treasure his current days even more after meeting Ye Jiao. Having experienced previous bitterness, he found the present sweeter than honey.

Xu Bao's temperament was far from Qi Yun's depth, instead being very lively and innocent.

The daily cheerful little chubby one had an overly useful brain, which sometimes caused troubles. Others could quickly forget any worries, but Xu Bao always remembered everything clearly.

Like Little Black stealing his milk cakes, ordinary children would have forgotten long ago, but Xu Bao always remembered. Seeing Little Black reminded him, which greatly annoyed Xu Bao.

Xu Bao didn't like always remembering bad things. Too many made him inexplicably angry, but he was still young and couldn't explain what he was angry about. Even wanting to tell his parents, he didn't know where to start. He couldn't tell his little brother and sister either. So the little chubby one found his own solution: reading books.

This was what Qi Yun had taught him when he used to read to Xu Bao before he could recognize characters. Xu Bao fell in love with it.

Books became his favorite toys.

The books Qi Yun prepared for him were all carefully selected, entirely encouraging virtue and naturally positive and uplifting in every word. Xu Bao especially loved reading them. Whatever book it was, he always read with great interest.

For Xu Bao, compared to countless trivial matters, having his mind filled with useful knowledge obviously made him feel more comfortable.

Over time, little Xu Bao began strictly demanding of himself according to book standards, never needing Qi Yun and Ye Jiao to worry. He could grow up healthily on his own.

This was good news for the Qi couple and also made Scholar Feng, responsible for Xu Bao's education, happy.

He didn't lack money but agreed to leave his hometown with Qi Yun because Xu Bao was exceptionally clever. Since Scholar Feng chose to teach and educate, he naturally hoped to have good students. Being able to educate such an unlimited child was extremely fulfilling, and the Qi family's wealth could pay him sufficient remuneration. This was why Scholar Feng followed the Qi family to the Capital.

Xu Bao was indeed as Scholar Feng expected, extremely clever, just overly diligent.

At an age when other children loved playing, Xu Bao always sat reading books or listening to reading. Though lively in nature, he rarely ran outside, making Scholar Feng somewhat worried this child might become obsessed with studying.

But recently, Scholar Feng noticed Xu Bao wasn't as clingy as before.

This day, just after finishing books, Xu Bao stood up. Without needing Nanny Mo to carry him, he ran out of the hall on his own little legs.

Scholar Feng watched from behind, somewhat curious, turning to ask Liu Si: "What has he been doing these days, so urgent?"

Hearing this, Liu Si hesitated, shook his head, and said quietly: "Don't, don't know. I just helped Young Master Xu... pluck... pluck chicken feathers."

Scholar Feng was stunned but didn't ask details, just thinking children liking to play was good, otherwise always reading wasn't good either.

If it were another child plucking chicken feathers, they would get their hands smacked by the teacher, but now it was Xu Bao, so Scholar Feng cheerfully went to find Qi Yun to congratulate him.

Xu Bao didn't know Scholar Feng had gone to find his father. He was excitedly walking toward Little Shi Tou's courtyard, but only let Nanny Mo follow him to the courtyard entrance, not letting her enter.

Nanny Mo naturally couldn't leave the little master alone, so she said gently: "Young Master Xu, though I can't read or write, I still have strength and think I could help Second Young Master."

Xu Bao said in his baby voice: "No need, Nanny Mo. I can do it myself."

Nanny Mo wanted to coax him more, but quickly realized her Young Master Xu had always been determined since childhood. Better to speak honestly: "Second Young Master and Second Young Mistress instructed us to watch Young Master Xu carefully. If anything goes wrong, I'm afraid all us nannies would be thrown out."

Hearing this, Xu Bao finally looked up at Nanny Mo, thought for a moment, and said: "Then you promise to keep it secret."

Nanny Mo immediately nodded in agreement. Only then did Xu Bao let her follow him inside.

After entering the courtyard gate, Nanny Mo saw Little Shi Tou with an unfamiliar young master inside, fiddling with a paper kite. Xu Bao ran over to discuss something with them. Beside them were brush, ink, paper, and inkstone, apparently to write something on the kite.

Nanny Mo wanted to look more, but remembering Xu Bao's words, she suppressed her curiosity and just stood not far from Xu Bao, ready to protect him.

This kite was Xu Bao's gift for his mother. Little Shi Tou and Wu Miao'er were helping him.

The kite had a whistle attached, making it a proper kite. On it, Xu Bao had written "Song of the Traveling Son" in his still childish handwriting. Though not very neat, it was extremely earnest.

Xu Bao didn't even have time to eat, just grabbed a milk cake and took two bites.

Today was the eighth day of the ninth month. With the kite finished, Xu Bao excitedly pulled Tie Zi to help him fly the kite into the sky. Ye Jiao had originally been inside, but hearing the kite's buzzing whistle, she pulled Qi Yun out to look.

Little Ginseng had excellent eyesight. Even with the kite flying high, she could still see the characters on it clearly.

Beside her, Qi Yun's gentle voice said: "This is a gift from the children."

Gift? What gift?

Ye Jiao was stunned, then remembered that last time Qi Yun had asked about her birthday, she had mentioned the eighth day of the ninth month.

That was today.

Seeing her dazed, Qi Yun thought she was overjoyed. He reached out to clasp Ye Jiao's fingertips, smiling: "This is the children's thoughtfulness. Does Jiao Niang like it?"

Ye Jiao's eyes were still looking at the kite. Hearing this, she looked at Qi Yun beside her, her smile brilliant: "I like it, I like it very much."

She not only liked the kite but loved the children's thoughtfulness even more.

Little Ginseng couldn't express too many profound thoughts, but she had put her heart into raising these children. Now feeling they also loved her was enough to bring immense joy.

Her heart felt warm. Ye Jiao couldn't help covering it with her hand, thinking, is this the feeling of being a mother?

Being human was truly an extremely interesting thing.

While thinking, the whistle sound from the kite became clearer. Ye Jiao could no longer hold back, released Qi Yun's hand, and ran smiling to the children's side, crouching down to watch the kite with them, having Tie Zi fly it higher, even higher.

Xu Bao stared at his mother's smiling face and smiled too.

Though still holding his milk cake, he carefully raised his hand higher, afraid of dirtying Ye Jiao's dress. Then Xu Bao stood on tiptoes and nuzzled Ye Jiao's face, saying with a smile: "Mother, Brother Shi Tou and I wrote characters. Little brother and sister can't write yet, so they pressed their handprints."

Hearing this, Ye Jiao immediately stared at the kite, wanting to find her twins' handprints.

But the kite was flying high and hard to see clearly.

Little Shi Tou beside them said: "Brother Wu added a few strokes, turning the handprints into plum blossoms. Second Aunt, look at those ink plum blossoms."

Hearing this, Ye Jiao turned to look at Little Shi Tou: "Is it Wu Miao'er?"

Little Shi Tou nodded obediently: "Yes, Wu Miao."

Only then did Ye Jiao remember Qi Yun had mentioned that Wu Miao'er was disguised as a boy to enter school, with her name slightly modified.

Since it was Wu Miao'er's own idea, and this girl had her own plans, Ye Jiao didn't need to expose anything. She smiled: "It's good that Little Shi Tou has friends. Find time to invite her to visit our residence."

Little Shi Tou nodded obediently. Xu Bao listened beside them, blinking without interrupting Ye Jiao's conversation with Little Shi Tou. He carefully moved aside, then pattered over to the twins.

Though the twins were watching the kite, they were young and couldn't stand long or liked being held. Now they sat side by side on soft stools, each holding a peeled sweet pear piece to nibble. Seeing Xu Bao approach, both shifted their eyes from the kite to stare at him.

Xu Bao crouched down, casually placed his milk cake on the low table, cupped his head with both hands (slightly larger than his peers), looked at Ruyi, then at Ning Bao, finally saying to Ning Bao: "Mother can also recognize Sister Miao'er. Ning Bao can't recognize her. Dummy."

Hearing this, Ning Bao put down his hand holding the sweet pear piece. Instead of speaking, he looked at Ruyi.

Then Ning Bao suddenly said: "Ruyi, call big brother."

Ruyi continued smiling at the kite. Hearing Ning Bao's words, she looked at her two brothers, her big eyes blinking as she clearly called: "Big brother!"

This successfully made Xu Bao forget about sister and brother addresses, standing up to hug Ruyi, cheerfully chanting "Ruyi is so good" and "Ruyi call again." Ruyi was obedient, calling whenever asked. Each "big brother" made Xu Bao smile so much his eyes squinted.

Ning Bao slowly finished his sweet pear piece, then casually picked up the milk cake Xu Bao had left on the small table, eating it in a few bites without leaving even crumbs.

When Xu Bao discovered the milk cake was gone, Ning Bao had already taken Ruyi's little hand. The two little ones, under the nannies' protection, slowly walked together to chase Qi Yun and Ye Jiao.

Xu Bao thought for a long time, then said to Nanny Mo: "I want to use the remaining chicken feathers to make kites for little brother and sister."

Nanny Mo was stunned: "Young Master Xu, there aren't enough left."

Xu Bao puffed his chubby cheeks: "Then we'll wait for Little Black to grow more."

Nanny Mo: ......

Inside the house, Ye Jiao smiled as she held Ning Bao and Ruyi for dinner, then ate a bowl of longevity noodles herself, smilingly coaxed Xu Bao to eat a boiled egg, and smilingly coaxed the children to sleep.

Though Ye Jiao usually loved to smile, today she smiled more than ever.

After the children all went to sleep, Qi Yun returned to their room with Ye Jiao. As soon as they entered, he gently embraced his wife's waist, saying softly: "Was this birthday joyful?"

Ye Jiao smiled up at him: "Very joyful."

But Qi Yun felt it wasn't enough.

He had wanted to prepare fireworks, grand banquets, and crowds celebrating for Ye Jiao, but now none could be arranged.

Besides the fact that Ye Jiao's birthday today differed from the birth date she had previously given her family, it was also because this was the Capital where everything required caution. It wasn't entirely peaceful, and being too ostentatious was never good.

If only he could be wealthier, more powerful...

Thinking this, Qi Yun placed his chin in the woman's neck hollow, his voice gentle: "Next year on this day, I'll definitely earn another kind of prosperity for you and the children, celebrating properly for you."

But Ye Jiao never sought such things. She understood contentment best. Hearing this, she smiled and turned to kiss the man: "Then make several kinds of longevity noodles. I love eating them."

Qi Yun also smiled, lips and teeth entwining, temples touching, inseparable.

But tonight just one bowl of longevity noodles hadn't filled Ye Jiao's stomach, so Qi Yun had someone make a bowl of chicken velvet porridge.

This chicken velvet porridge was fragrant, with added mushrooms cut into small pieces. Ye Jiao couldn't tell what mushrooms they were, but they tasted delicious.

She sat down to pick up the spoon and bring it to her mouth, but before reaching her mouth, as if remembering something, she put down the spoon and stared directly at Qi Yun.

Second Young Master Qi was startled by her stare: "What's wrong, Jiao Niang? Don't want porridge?"

Ye Jiao shook her head, still looking at him, directly asking: "Didn't husband prepare a birthday gift for me?"

This made Qi Yun smile. Such direct gift-demanding was exactly what his wife would do. He wasn't pretentious either, walking directly to the bookshelf to retrieve his hidden box.

But before he could reach for it, he heard Ye Jiao say: "What picture book did husband buy for me this time?"

Qi Yun: ......

Only then did he notice that in his earlier haste, he had hastily used that nostalgic spring palace book to cover the box. Now Qi Yun quickly moved it aside, took down the wooden box, and walked toward Ye Jiao.

The box didn't look large or have complex carvings, but the wood was obviously excellent quality.

Before opening it, Qi Yun sat before Ye Jiao, saying softly: "I thought for a long time. My money is yours, my person is yours, my life is yours. Thinking it over, I made this for you."

This made Ye Jiao extremely curious. She took the box and opened it.

Inside lay a bright red knot, extremely well-made.

Qi Yun reached out to gently grasp Ye Jiao's fingertips: "This is a love knot, woven by my own hands, containing strands of both our hair."

Ye Jiao looked up at him, her gaze bright and sparkling.

Second Young Master Qi smiled: "I only wish for our hearts to be united, this life and this world."

Ye Jiao heard his heartfelt intention and smiled, taking it out to examine carefully in her palm, then looking up: "Husband wove this personally?"

Qi Yun nodded.

Ye Jiao's voice carried joy: "Later I'll also make a tassel to hang on it, alright?"

Qi Yun immediately nodded: "Good, naturally good."

Seeing his agreement, Ye Jiao's smile deepened. Left hand clutching the love knot, right hand holding the spoon, she quickly finished the bowl of chicken velvet porridge, then quickly rinsed her mouth and washed her face, before pulling Qi Yun's hand toward the inner room.

Qi Yun was somewhat puzzled, asking: "Jiao Niang, sleeping so early?"

He had been planning to tell Ye Jiao about the love knot's origins.

Ye Jiao pushed him down onto the bed, reached out to pull down the bed curtains, with only scattered sounds emerging from inside: "Not early."

"I'm not tired yet..."

"You'll be tired soon enough."

Ye Jiao's birthday was known only to family members. Qi Yun hadn't even told Ye Ping Rong.

Because he could guess Ye Jiao's birthday wasn't actually this day, Ye Ping Rong would surely know, but since Ye Jiao considered their wedding day as her rebirth, it was time for their private celebration without disturbing others.

After Huaning's pregnancy reached three months, it was revealed to outsiders, causing quite a stir in the Capital. After all, the Capital was only so big, and Huaning was the Emperor's closest elder sister. Her pregnancy was naturally great news, making Princess's mansion lively for a while.

Ye Jiao often visited to accompany her, checking on her elder brother's unborn child. Because of her company, Huaning's morning sickness was extremely mild, safely passing what should have been the most difficult time.

Days slid by slowly. Soon it was the twelfth month of winter, and the Qi family prepared to return home for New Year.

But Third Young Master Qi had court duties and couldn't return home. Qi Yun had early selected capable personnel to leave with him for support. This homecoming was also to discuss Third Young Master Qi and the Meng family's marriage with the Qi elders. Since there was Chu Chengyun's intention, it should be settled early.

But just as they were about to depart, Huaning hurried over, holding her belly and pulling Ye Jiao to whisper: "Someone just brought news that Imperial Sister-in-law is only seven months along but... is about to give birth."